In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both. Criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime, and defend their rights at each stage of a misdemeanor or felony case -- from an arrest to an appeal after conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may be hired privately or provided by the government (called "public defenders").
The Borough of West Chester is the county seat of Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington metropolitan area. Valley Forge, the Brandywine Battlefield, Longwood Gardens, and other historical attractions are near West Chester. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is located in the borough.